Iran has claimed that nearly 5,000 people were killed during months of nationwide protests, describing the unrest as the deadliest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and blaming “terrorists and rioters” for targeting civilians and security personnel.

According to Iranian authorities, the violence was most intense in the country’s Kurdish regions, where clashes between protesters and security forces were particularly severe. The government has maintained that armed groups and hostile elements exploited demonstrations, leading to widespread bloodshed and damage to public property.

The protests, which erupted over social and political grievances, spread rapidly across multiple provinces, drawing international attention and condemnation. Rights groups and opposition activists have disputed official accounts, alleging excessive use of force by security agencies and accusing the state of downplaying civilian deaths.

Officials said the situation has largely been brought under control following a sweeping security crackdown that included mass arrests, deployment of additional forces, and prolonged internet shutdowns aimed at curbing mobilisation and information flow.

While calm has returned to most affected areas, the scale of casualties and the government’s response have continued to draw scrutiny at home and abroad, with calls for independent investigations into the violence and accountability for those responsible.